Reigning World Indoor champion Reese Hoffa (USA) starts as favourite to add the World outdoor title after enjoying a stellar year.

The 29-year-old world No1 threw a lifetime best of 22.43m in London – a distance which lifted him to 11th in the All-time lists – and the former wrestler also landed the US title in June.

But Hoffa has limited major championships experience outdoors and his compatriot Adam Nelson will be no pushover as he bids to defend the World title he won in Helsinki two years ago.

Nelson has competed sparingly this season but a 21.47m effort in Carson in May shows he has the capability of striking gold again.

Outside of the USA the consistent Joachim Olsen (DEN) will also be a major threat. The 30-year-old Olsen is a two-time World indoor bronze medallist and the 2004 Olympic silver medallist, and in June he set a new national record of 21.61m.

Rutger Smith of the Netherlands was a surprise silver medallist at the 2005 World Championships and he could feature on the medal podium again. The versatile Dutchman, who is also a top-class discus thrower, appears to be rounding into form at the right time after throwing beyond 21m in his last two competitions in Madrid and London.

The improving German Peter Sack set a new personal best of 21.00m in June and along with compatriot and reigning European champion Ralf Bartels, he will be another one to watch.

The 2003 World champion Andrei Miknevich (BLR) is also entered.

Osaka 2007 News Team